Today, a Justice Department ruling opened the way for the Veterans Administration to extend benefits to same-sex married partners of veterans. This comes the same week that gays in the military can start applying for spousal benefits. But the process has not gone smoothly for National Guard members in Texas and Mississippi. In those states, Guard spokespeople say they won't file the paperwork for same-sex couples requesting benefits.
The couple planned to fill out paperwork to get official military spousal benefits mandated by the Pentagon.
Butler describes what happened when they tried to sign up. So they must drive to San Antonio or Killeen, both about 90 minutes away. And we have not denied anybody of benefits. We will never deny anyone of benefits that they're entitled to.
Not going to happen. Never has, never will. The Guard just can't fill out the paperwork. A spokesman for the governor says that's because Texas Military Forces must adhere to state law, which only recognizes marriage between a man and a woman. Chuck Smith is with Equality Texas, a gay rights advocacy group. He says filing paperwork doesn't actually recognize a same-sex marriage.
The state of Texas is not going to be paying benefits. You know, the state of Texas is not recognizing these couples as being married. For Austin's Alicia Butler, it's another frustrating delay for equality. BUTLER: It's humiliating to have to wait outside the base to have lunch with my partner or make other arrangements if we need to take care of our daughter and I can't bring her up there.
